Verizon Ventures and R/GA Announce Media Tech Venture Studio

NEW YORK, March 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Verizon Media Tech Venture Studio in partnership with R/GA opens its application process. The new program invites applications from innovative growth- and early-stage companies with disruptive technologies that will shape the future of digital entertainment and media consumption. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to; content creation and personalization, VR/AR, AI, image recognition, content distribution, interactive advertising, e-sports and other emerging digital media platforms.

Technology continues to disrupt the world of digital media. The rise of new media paradigms have reshaped how consumers interact and engage with content. Users increasingly expect delivery of personalized experiences that get smarter over time and access to content on their terms. Emerging companies that can deliver on these demands will represent the next wave of billion-dollar opportunities.

"Verizon is at the forefront of the digital media revolution and we continue to explore the next wave of media innovation," said John Doherty, SVP of Corporate Development at Verizon and Head of Verizon Ventures. "The Verizon Media Tech Ventures Studio with R/GA will connect us with emerging startups that are shaping the future of this business. Verizon and R/GA have created an advanced program for startups with unparalleled access to resources, technology and intellectual capital that will accelerate their growth."

The companies selected for the program will have the opportunity to work closely with Verizon Ventures and Verizon's digital media businesses on product and technology projects. The selected companies will also have the opportunity to work directly with R/GA's award-winning strategic marketing, consulting, branding, design, and technology teams. In addition, participants will be able to leverage Verizon's and R/GA's networks of investors, mentors, and global brand leaders from Fortune 100 consumer, enterprise, and technology companies.

"Verizon is an industry leader in the content and technology space, with a true commitment to innovation across all components of the media landscape," said Stephen Plumlee, R/GA Global Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of R/GA Ventures. "This program will be a game changer for the companies selected, and we couldn't be more excited to bring R/GA's award-winning services together with Verizon Ventures to help them achieve meaningful scale."

Up to ten companies from around the world will be selected to participate in the program which will be hosted at a new Verizon-powered space in New York City's Flatiron district. The workspace will enable the companies to directly interact with product leaders from Verizon, AOL and Verizon Labs.

Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply, and can submit their applications beginning on March 10, 2017 through May 30, 2017. The program will take place in New York City and will start on July 31st, 2017. The program will conclude in mid-November with an invite-only Demo Event, at which each company will have the opportunity to present to investors, industry leaders, and press. 

For more information or to apply, please visit verizonventurestudio.com and follow @rgaventures and @VerizonVentures.

About Verizon Ventures

Verizon Ventures is the corporate venture capital unit of Verizon (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and invests in promising entrepreneurial companies that are tackling some of today's biggest technology challenges. With a collaborative approach to commercialization, Verizon Ventures is focused on helping companies connect financial resources with strategic, non-investment business functions necessary to deliver successful outcomes. Verizon Ventures partners with companies to help them scale substantively to impact society and lead to new markets. Over the last decade, Verizon Ventures has invested in more than 50 companies covering a range of industries and technologies. For more information, visit www.verizonventures.com and follow @verizonventures.

About R/GA

R/GA is connected by design. An innovation leader for more than 40 years, R/GA has expanded to offer consulting, ventures, technology, marketing, architecture, and IP development services in addition to its award-winning design practice. Its work spans web, mobile, and social communications, retail and e-commerce, product innovation, brand development, and business transformation. The company has more than 2,000 employees globally with 19 offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. R/GA Ventures was founded in 2013 and has equity stakes in 60 startups that have graduated from its Accelerator and Venture Studio programs. R/GA Ventures is also member of the GAN (gan.co), a network of the world's most respected accelerators and organizations in support of the startup ecosystem. R/GA is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. For more information about R/GA, please visit www.rga.com and @rgaventures.

SOURCE R/GA

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